Ron Magill retires after 46 years at Zoo Miami

Ron Magill will retire from his daily role at Zoo Miami on May 10 after 46 years and will remain involved as a goodwill ambassador and conservation liaison for the Zoo Miami Foundation.

Ron Magill is stepping away from his daily role at Zoo Miami after a 46-year career that made him a public face for the zoo and for wildlife conservation. He began his career at the Miami Serpentarium and became a zookeeper at the Miami Metro Zoo in 1980. Over decades he brought wildlife into homes and classrooms and reached wider audiences through television appearances, including on Sábado Gigante. Magill has consistently described his work as motivated by conservation rather than entertainment and said his passion began in childhood after being inspired by Jim Fowler. Key details: - Ron Magill will retire from his daily role at Zoo Miami on May 10 after 46 years. - He started at the Miami Serpentarium and joined the Miami Metro Zoo (now Zoo Miami) in 1980. - He gained wider recognition through television appearances, including Sábado Gigante. - Magill has emphasized that his work was focused on wildlife conservation rather than attraction. - He will continue as a goodwill ambassador and conservation liaison for the Zoo Miami Foundation. Summary: Magill’s retirement closes a long chapter as a familiar educator and conservation communicator for South Florida and beyond. He expressed gratitude to colleagues and will continue to advocate for animals through the Zoo Miami Foundation as a goodwill ambassador and conservation liaison.